What an absolute mind-f of a book! I loved this so much that I couldn’t bring myself to read the final fRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐� Publication Date: August 19, 2025
What an absolute mind-f of a book! I loved this so much that I couldn’t bring myself to read the final few pages for days because I just didn’t want it to end. This was such a gripping, immersive read that I was genuinely unsure whether Dorothy was actually Dorothy Frasier or a time traveler from the future. The psychological tension, the historical setting, and the dystopian elements all blended together perfectly to create an unforgettable experience.
Dorothy is a fantastic protagonist, and her struggle between two possible realities was masterfully written. I felt every ounce of her confusion and desperation. The one thing that didn’t fully work for me was the characters from the possible future. While we’re told that Dorothy cares about them, we don’t spend enough time with them to really feel that connection. I wish those relationships had been fleshed out more rather than just being told they mattered.
Now, let’s talk about the ending. If there’s one thing that will make readers scream, it’s that. It felt more like the end of a chapter than the end of a book, and I was left yelling, “What the f-! It can’t end there!� If a second book were available, I’d be downloading it immediately. Unfortunately, this book isn’t even out yet, so we’ll most likely be waiting a while.
But even with that ending, I can’t recommend this book enough. Dystopian world, mental asylums, U.S. history, time travel. It has everything. This a book that I won’t stop pushing on everyone I know. Easily a 4.5-star read, rounded up to 5.
Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt and Co. for the eARC. All opinions are my own....more
I received a free eARC of this book from the author (thank you, T.D. Lawler!), all opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
This book iRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received a free eARC of this book from the author (thank you, T.D. Lawler!), all opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
This book is a thrilling departure from Lawler's previous works. While his other stories delve into the horrors of the mind, Super Beast '96 plunges into graphic violence and supernatural terror—and Lawler executes it brilliantly. The vivid descriptions of the wolf and the gore had me grimacing yet loving every second.
The pacing keeps you on edge, alternating between extremely graphic, heart-pounding moments and scenes where the characters remain blissfully unaware of the lurking danger. This back-and-forth created a bit of whiplash but also heightened the suspense, building anticipation for the epic final confrontation.
If you enjoy campy horror with a touch of the supernatural, this book is right up your alley. As someone who adored The Quarry video game, I couldn’t help but draw comparisons. The eerie lakeside cabin, the terrifying wolf creature, and the group of overconfident teens who have no idea what’s coming—it all added up to an atmospheric and entertaining read.
Also, shoutout to Jose—he’s my fave!
A quick heads-up: Super Beast '96 contains graphic violence and some sexual themes. While the romance is mostly closed-door, the intensity of the story never lets up. Overall, this book is a visceral and electrifying ride that perfectly balances campy vibes with raw, brutal horror. If you’re a fan of creature features or survival thrillers, this one is not to be missed!...more
I really wanted to love The Other People. I’m a huge fan of locked-room mysteries, and the promise of a big Rating: ⭐⭐ Publication Date: March 25, 2025
I really wanted to love The Other People. I’m a huge fan of locked-room mysteries, and the promise of a big twist at the end had me hooked. And while I did appreciate the twist (it was the kind I would normally love), it simply couldn’t make up for the first 95% of the book.
The story begins with such high stakes—“Find this girl, or you all die”—but it quickly fizzles out. Despite the dire circumstances, the characters barely seemed to try to solve the mystery, which made the plot feel sluggish. Then there’s the structure of the book: every time something happened, the outside narrator would step in to recap the events and tell the reader what they should be thinking or questioning. This disrupted the flow of the story and became frustrating to read. The narrator’s personality was also insufferable (though the reason for this is explained in the twist). Unfortunately, that explanation didn’t retroactively make the experience enjoyable.
SPOILER WARNING (I make a comparison that WILL spoil the ending for you.) (view spoiler)[ Throughout the book, I kept thinking of the 2003 film Identity. The similarities were so strong that it completely gave away the twist for me. If you’ve seen Identity, you’ll probably catch on early because the book drops hints throughout. I couldn’t shake the feeling that this book drew heavy inspiration from the movie. For me, Identity feels like a much closer comparison than Shutter Island, as the marketing suggests. However as I said it would completely give away the whole twist. (hide spoiler)] END SPOILER
There were also some noticeable issues with the writing. At one point, the author used the exact same wording to describe two different characters� reactions in separate instances, which felt repetitive and clunky. Additionally, the characters� inner monologues all sounded the same. Without the chapter headers, I would’ve struggled to tell whose perspective I was reading.
That said, there were moments I enjoyed. The visuals in some scenes were vivid, and the character deaths were dramatic in a good way. These were the bright spots in an otherwise disappointing read.
Overall, I’m giving The Other People 2 stars. While the twist was clever and the book had some strong visuals, the repetitive writing, unengaging plot, and insufferable narration made this one a letdown for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing me with an eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own....more
Some books quietly work their way under your skin, and The Mirror House Girls is one of them. It’s beautifully written, with poetic Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Some books quietly work their way under your skin, and The Mirror House Girls is one of them. It’s beautifully written, with poetic prose that never feels overdone, and it captures the slow, insidious build-up of manipulation and cult dynamics in a way that feels all too real.
The story starts a bit slow, but that pacing is deliberate, laying the groundwork for everything to come. Once the tension kicks in, it doesn’t let up. Gardner does an incredible job showing how easy it is to get swept up in something dangerous while convincing yourself it’s normal—or even good. Winona’s inner conflict was especially compelling. Watching her justify her choices while struggling with doubts felt so raw and relatable.
The addition of an interview with one of the housemates, presented years after the events of Mirror House, was a fantastic choice. It gave the story a fresh perspective and added an extra layer of suspense as you piece together what really happened.
One standout feature that makes this book so unique is the inclusion of music. One of the characters writes songs, and Gardner links to YouTube tracks for readers to listen to at specific moments. It’s such a creative way to deepen the experience and bring the story to life.
For fans of true crime, cult stories, or psychological thrillers, this is a must-read. It’s emotional, gripping, and leaves you thinking long after the final page.
Thank you to NetGalley and Mirror House Press for the eARC. All opinions are my own....more
This book was everything I wanted and more. While it technically can’t be crowned a 2024 favorite becausRating: 5/5 � Publication Date: April 15, 2025
This book was everything I wanted and more. While it technically can’t be crowned a 2024 favorite because of its release date, Senseless is already shaping up to be a 2025 standout for me. Malfi’s latest masterpiece is a seamless blend of supernatural horror and procedural thriller that will leave readers haunted long after the final page.
To be honest, I was a little hesitant going into this one. Procedurals don’t usually make my list of favorites because I often find the detectives unrelatable—characters with savior complexes and a chip on their shoulder. But this is Malfi, and when Malfi writes, you read. Needless to say, I’m glad I did because Senseless blew away every expectation I had.
Malfi’s writing style pulls you in like nothing else I’ve read. It’s vivid and immersive without bogging you down in unnecessary detail. Every word feels intentional, designed to draw you further into the dark, tangled world he’s created. And the three main characters? Flawless. Each was so well fleshed out, so unique, they could have carried their own standalone novel.
I absolutely loved—and hated—all three. Malfi’s ability to evoke such complex emotions is astounding. It takes real skill to make you feel something for characters whose actions you utterly despise. Each character’s story is heartbreaking, and Malfi reveals their backstories with such precise timing that you’re constantly reevaluating your feelings about them. Just when you think you’ve figured someone out, he gives you another piece of the puzzle. Another layer. Another reason to question everything.
The supernatural elements are masterfully woven into the procedural thriller. As you’re reading, you’re constantly asking yourself: Is this real? Is it all in the characters� heads? Are they unraveling, or is something far more sinister at play? By the time the storylines converge, nearly everything falls into place—but not without some open-ended threads that will leave readers� jaws hanging. Trust me, you’ll be saying WTF! (I definitely was). And yet, the ending feels perfect for the wild ride this story takes you on.
Malfi doesn’t wrap things up with a neat little bow. There’s no “and they lived happily ever after� here. Instead, he leaves you with questions that will have you thinking about Senseless days later. And honestly, isn’t that the mark of a great horror novel?
Ronald Malfi continues to prove why he’s a force to be reckoned with in the horror genre. I truly believe he’s destined to become a household name, as synonymous with horror as Stephen King. If you haven’t read his work yet, you need to dip your toes into the Malfi waters. Start with Senseless. You won’t regret it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Titan Books for the eARC. All opinions expressed are my own—and thank you, Ronald Malfi, for yet another phenomenal read. Honestly, how do you keep outdoing yourself? ...more
The Threshing Floor is a chilling and emotional ride that dives deep into the lengths a mother will go to save her child. I’m always drawn to stories The Threshing Floor is a chilling and emotional ride that dives deep into the lengths a mother will go to save her child. I’m always drawn to stories about cults, and this one delivered with its dual timeline that slowly unravels how the cult came to be. The backstory adds so much depth, especially seeing how desperation and manipulation can twist even the best intentions.
Dalice was such a compelling character. Her strength and determination to save her son, no matter the cost, were so inspiring. After reading the author’s note, I was even more moved. Steph Nelson shares her own experience of losing a child with a congenital heart defect, and it’s clear she poured her heart into this story. It made the book feel even more personal and powerful.
The cult aspect? Absolutely nailed it. Nelson shows how easily people in desperate situations can be drawn into something dangerous, and the group’s rituals gave me chills.
I also loved how easy Nelson’s writing is to sink into—it feels like you’re just in your own head, experiencing the story firsthand. I’ve read The Final Scene by her too and really enjoyed that one, so I knew I was in for a treat.
If I had one tiny complaint, it’s that the pacing could’ve been a little faster in places. But honestly, that didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the book overall. If you love horror with psychological twists and emotional depth, this one’s for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for the eARC. All opinions expressed are my own....more
What initially drew me to rekt by Alex Gonzalez was its premise—using technology as both a form of horror and a way to process3.75 � rounded up to 4 �
What initially drew me to rekt by Alex Gonzalez was its premise—using technology as both a form of horror and a way to process grief. I’ve never read a book that explored these themes in quite this way, and I was captivated by how the darker corners of the internet could shape someone’s coping mechanisms in such a destructive way. Sammy, the main character, is a tragic figure whose grief and lack of family support lead him down a dangerous path. When his loving uncle dies during his childhood, Sammy starts coping by creating stories about the Wax Man—a character who, as the story unfolds, seems to represent both his uncle and, ultimately, himself. With no one to guide him through healthy grieving, Sammy turns to the internet, where he and his friends watched disturbing and graphic videos as a form of distraction. Years later, after losing the love of his life in a car accident, Sammy once again seeks refuge in the online world, but this time, it pulls him into a much darker abyss. He becomes obsessed with watching increasingly violent and gruesome videos, ultimately getting lured into a site called chinsky. The way the book portrays how technology amplifies grief and fuels self-destruction is both chilling and compelling. While I was drawn in by the premise, I did find the pacing to slow down a bit around the 40-50% mark. I struggled to stay fully engaged during this section, though I do think this could have been partly because I was reading in the midst of a big move. That said, I’m glad I pushed through because the unique format kept me hooked. Each chapter begins with short context snippets, almost like posts Sammy might find online, which adds a layer of immersion. The experimental style in the final section, with emails, texts, posts, and comment threads, was a brilliant way to bring the narrative to life. Overall, rekt is a deeply depressing book—in the best way possible. It’s a raw and unflinching look at grief and self-destruction, with Sammy making the absolute worst choices for himself at every turn. The Wax Man, as a symbol of both his uncle’s death and Sammy’s own spiral, adds another layer of emotional complexity. It’s not an easy read, but it’s one that stays with you, making you reflect on those around you who might be struggling with their own losses or trauma. Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for theis eARC. All opinions expressed are my own....more
"Death by Orgasm" by Baroque Medusa was, simply put, a riot. This collection of erotic short stories dives headfirst into the absurd, blending steamy "Death by Orgasm" by Baroque Medusa was, simply put, a riot. This collection of erotic short stories dives headfirst into the absurd, blending steamy moments with dark, twisted finales that had me genuinely laughing out loud. Good thing I was reading this at home, because explaining why I was laughing so hard would have been…awkward, to say the least.
Medusa’s stories lure you in with outrageous scenarios, from botched Brazilian Butt Lifts to unexpected (and lethal) twists, each more hilariously absurd than the last. The dark humor is spot on, and I loved how each story’s buildup led to a fatal finish. That said, the book was a bit too short for my liking. It’s perfect if you’re in the mood for a quick, single-sitting read, but I was left wanting more. Another minor drawback was the repetitiveness in language; no matter whose perspective we followed, everyone used terms like "headlights" and "flagpole," which felt a little too uniform across different characters. A bit more variety in expression would’ve really elevated each story’s voice.
All in all, "Death by Orgasm" is a quick, unforgettable read for those who enjoy their erotica with a generous side of dark humor and danger. Just don’t expect a straight face while you’re reading it!
Thank you to Netgalley and BookBuzz.net for an advanced copy!...more
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